Learn everything you need to know about the rise in catalytic converter theft and what it could mean for you!

 
For most car owners in America, unexpected car repairs are typically an unwelcome surprise in your budget. Which is why a recent rise in catalytic converter theft has made car-owning Americans even more fearsome over what odd noises coming from under their hood may mean for them.

But don't worry! When you’re armed with information, you’re better prepared to prevent unwelcome scenarios, such as a stolen catalytic converter or incurring the cost of a new catalytic converter on your next mechanic visit.

So whether you’re looking for more information about rising catalytic converter theft or want to know how to keep your catalytic converter safe from busy thieves, read on to find out everything you need to know!

What is a catalytic converter?

Let’s start by discussing exactly what is a catalytic converter and why it’s such an important piece of the inner workings of your vehicle.

Found underneath your car and attached with bolts to your exhaust pipe, is your catalytic converter. Comprised of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, your catalytic converter works as an emission control device by helping bring down the emissions from harmful compounds that are often produced by your car exhaust.

And it’s because of the harmful emissions found in your car exhaust that any car manufactured after 1974 was required by law to have a catalytic converter (one at the minimum!) This law not only helped make the catalytic converter a primary component of your car exhaust system, but it ultimately helps to make sure that any pollutants and toxic gasses released by your car exhaust would be less potent before leaving your exhaust system and entering the atmosphere.

Why are catalytic converters a target for theft?

You may be wondering, if these car parts are such a practical benefit to the environment, why are catalytic converters a target for theft? There are a few reasons why:

They’re easy to access

Thieves are looking for an easy way to break in and access your belongings without the possibility of an alarm going off or lengthy amounts of time that opens them to getting caught.

And stealing catalytic converters takes care of both of those problems for them. Easily located underneath your vehicle, catalytic converters are not only out in the open, but they require little to no skill at all to detach. As a result, most thieves can use things like a saw or heavy-duty knife to break off your converter in just minutes (in some cases, as little as 30 seconds.)

They’re easy to sell

Thieves aren’t stealing for the fun of it, or to add it to some eclectic collection of car parts - they’re stealing to make money. So the fact that catalytic converters are currently a highly valuable car part makes them another excellent target for theft, with standard converters  being sold for around $300, hybrid converter parts are sold for as much as $1400.

Why are they so valuable? Catalytic converters contain highly valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Additionally, the ongoing pandemic has not only caused an increased shortage from South Africa (a major metal producer), but restrictive sanctions placed on Russia (another major metal producer) have also caused a significant disruption in the supply chain. This, in turn, has caused the catalytic converter price to skyrocket, making them a hot commodity for thieves.

To further understand how much the price of catalytic converters has risen, it’s important to consider that, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, converter theft was once reported at about 1,300 in 2018 and has since had an 1,215% increase in 2021, with nearly 52,000 converters being reported stolen.

The crime is untraceable

Finally, one of the final reasons that catalytic converters have become a prime target for theft is because the crime is untraceable. With no identification numbers attached to these car parts, once they’re removed from your vehicle, there are essentially no ways to track them or identify them once a thief sells them to a junkyard or on a black market.

So, why are people stealing catalytic converters? It’s simple: money and ease.

Which cars are more likely to be targeted?

In Austin, Texas alone, local law enforcement reported a 2,000% increase in catalytic converter theft from 2019 to 2020. But it was evident that some cars were being more targeted than others which caused many Texans to wonder - which cars are more likely to be targeted?

Reputable car report provider, CarFax, noted the following as cars high on the list for catalytic converter theft for states in the South:

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot
• 2011-17 Chrysler 200
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox
• 2008-14 Dodge Avenger
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
• 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
• 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord

However, the general consensus is that hybrid cars (especially those like the Toyota Prius) are the primary target.

Why are hybrid cars being targeted?

In addition to the primary and highly valuable natural metal resources such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium found in a standard catalytic converter, catalytic converters in hybrid or electric vehicles pack in a little bit more.

Because these cars use less fuel and reduce their carbon footprint with lower carbon dioxide emissions, catalytic converters in these cars have a higher amount of these precious metals that are already so desperately needed in the market, making the theft of this one part nearly as valuable as the car itself.

How to prevent catalytic converter theft

Having your catalytic converter stolen can be a frustrating and unexpected experience. But as we stated, arming yourself with information is the best way to protect yourself from it happening to you. Here’s how to help prevent catalytic converter theft:

Anti-theft devices

Due to the rise in theft, you can now purchase many useful anti-theft devices to prevent catalytic converter theft. Some catalytic converter anti-theft devices include:

• Indestructible wires (aka catalytic converter locks) such as the award-winning CatClamp 
• Catalytic converter plates that are made to block any access to your converter
• Motion sensor alarms like the Catalytic Converter alarm that sounds off when any vibration or tampering is detected near your converter.

Put your VIN on it

Suppose you’re looking for more cost-effective ways or an additional layer of protection. In that case, a straightforward way car owners enact catalytic converter theft prevention is by carving or etching their VIN (vehicle identification number) on their converters.

By doing this, not only does it cause hesitation in catalytic converter thieves because the converter can now be traced, but it also may cause them to find a more challenging time selling the piece to any scrap yards because they’ll know the part was stolen.

Keep your car protected

One of the safest ways of ensuring catalytic converter protection is by keeping your car protected. Most converter thieves will be targeting vehicles that are out in the open and unmonitored (such as those in general parking lots.) So by keeping your vehicle in a garage or well-lit area, it will deter thieves from honing in on your car.

Signs your catalytic converter has been stolen

Unfortunately, even when armed with knowledge and proactively doing what you can - catalytic converter theft can still happen. And although, as a car owner, you’re more than likely already aware of any quirks and noises your car may make regularly, how do you know when a sound is something to worry over versus the usual sounds of wear and tear?

Here are some signs your catalytic converter has been stolen that you can look out for.

A loud noise and a rough ride

The number one telltale sign that your vehicle’s catalytic converter has been stolen will be a loud noise or roaring sound coming from your car the moment you turn the key or push the button to put on your engine.

If you push on the gas, not only will the sound get louder, but you’ll also experience a very jarring ride (if you do still try to drive it.) You’ll hear sputtering sounds and possibly even smell toxic fumes now that your catalytic converter isn’t there to diffuse the harmful pollutants in your exhaust system.

Your check engine light may come on

In addition to the overwhelmingly loud noise now coming from your engine, you may soon also notice your pesky "check engine" light glowing on your dash. In many cars, the catalytic converter is hooked up to a number of sensors that will immediately notice something missing and trigger the light. 

Remember, you can always take your vehicle to most auto parts stores to diagnose a check engine light. They have special devices that talk to your car and receive an error code, which details the problem. Most shops and auto parts stores will perform this for free, so there's no reason to just let your light remain a mystery! 

An empty hole

If you’re still not sure your catalytic converter has been stolen, the quickest way to find out is by looking for an empty hole right under your vehicle. The hole will be located in the middle of your exhaust, and you’re likely to see jaggedly cut pipes in the surrounding area where your converter was initially cut away from.

Failing emissions tests

If all else fails and you don't immediately notice that your catalytic converter is missing, rest assured that the shop performing your state inspection will - especially if your county requires emissions testing. Without a catalytic converter, your car will not pass an emissions inspection, but even if your county doesn't test for emissions, catalytic converters are a requirement in and of themselves. 

What to do if your catalytic converter has been stolen

So you've discovered that your catalytic converter has been stolen - now what? 

Report the theft to the police

Although it is difficult, if not impossible, for police to track down your stolen catalytic converter if your VIN hasn't been etched onto it, that doesn't mean they won't be able to figure out who did it. In some cases, they can pull surveillance footage to catch the culprit. 

But beyond catching the thief, having a police report may be an important step when filing an insurance claim. 

Contact your insurance company

Depending on your auto insurance coverage, your insurance company may be able to help you cover the cost of replacing a stolen catalytic converter (more on that in a moment). That's why it's important to contact them as soon as possible after you've discovered the missing part. 

Talk to a mechanic 

Although your vehicle can technically operate without a catalytic converter, it is quite illegal to drive without one in Texas (and the rest of the country, for that matter) and the fines for doing so can be hefty. With that in mind, you'll want to speak to a mechanic about a replacement as soon as possible. 

Stay prepared & get comprehensive coverage

If you ever find yourself a victim of this type of theft, you may be surprised at how much a catalytic converter costs to replace. Carbrain.com estimates that catalytic converters can cost anywhere from $945 to $2,475 to install, this unexpected repair could throw quite a wrench in your household budget.

This is why we highly suggest that even as you stay prepared and vigilant, you also take time to review your car insurance policies with your insurance company. Look at your current insurance coverage and ensure you have (or get) comprehensive coverage.

This type of insurance allows you to be proactive, and it often covers you from surprising expenses like like catalytic converter theft. Your standard liability and collision coverage, however, does not cover such losses like theft. As always, if you're uncertain as to what your auto insurance policy covers, make sure to reach out to your insurance agent or provider for specific details.  

Although thieves are getting smarter, you can always stay one step ahead of them by arming yourself with knowledge and making sure you have the right car insurance coverage.

 
For more information about how Germania Insurance can help protect you from catalytic converter theft, request a free quote online or reach out to your local Germania Authorized Agent today!